How to Get Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services for Veterans

Have Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Helped Veterans?

Veterans with substance use disorders (SUD) or those seeking Veterans Affairs (VA) treatment often face clinical complexities and may have more significant treatment needs. Studies show that veterans with SUD tend to experience worse health outcomes compared to civilians with similar conditions. Moreover, veterans who use VA resources typically have higher rates of various medical and mental health conditions than both the general population and veterans who do not use VA services. This is why VA services exist to help our former military personnel with their personalized needs.

Recent reviews have found a reasonable amount of evidence supporting the effectiveness of residential drug and alcohol use treatment for veterans, particularly when it includes integrated mental health care services. However, residential treatment without co-occurring disorder treatment can also provide needed help for those struggling with substance use disorders alone.

How do I access VA services for substance use?

Accessing VA services for substance use problems involves several steps to ensure you receive the appropriate care and support. First, a person must determine their eligibility and enroll with the VA healthcare system.

If you are eligible, you can apply for VA healthcare and access their substance use disorder treatment services. Contact your local VA facility for help or apply for VA health care online.

The extent of VA coverage for your treatment varies based on your specific circumstances. As outlined on the VA benefits page, you can expect to receive care designed to stabilize your condition. Additionally, with coverage for ongoing care and relapse prevention, treatment coverage can be extended according to your recovery needs.

After you apply with the VA

If you have a VA primary care provider, discuss your drug or alcohol use concerns with them. They can screen you for substance misuse and co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Primary care doctors can provide the necessary treatment to support veterans and their family members through these complicated health conditions.

If you don’t have a VA primary care provider, or you have never visited a VA facility, there are several paths to getting the best treatment assistance for your needs. A few steps you could take include:

• Locate a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program near you. If you are in the Southeast, Longbranch Recovery has residential and outpatient rehab facilities that may be convenient to you.

• Call the VA general information hotline or call our admissions team at (504) 399-5383 to learn more about VA Community Care Network addiction and mental health treatment services.

• Contact your local VA medical center for assistance through the VA medical center locator.

For military veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND), reach out to your local VA medical center and ask to speak with the OEF/OIF/OND coordinator for specialized support. These coordinators understand how to help those who have participated in these specific situations and understand the mental health care that may be a co-occurring factor of drug misuse. They can lead you to the best services for you, personalizing your program for your particular needs.

What if I don’t have VA health care benefits?

Even if you don’t have VA health care benefits, you may still access care. If you’ve served in a combat zone, you can receive free private counseling, alcohol and drug assessments, and additional support at one of our 300 community Vet Centers. Find a Veterans Center today to help you get the benefits you need for substance misuse recovery.

Where can I find more information and support?

Finding support and mental health resources for veterans can be done in many different ways. At Longbranch Recovery, we take veteran mental health seriously, understanding the invisible wounds that come from traumatic events many veterans have experienced during their time in service. Many veterans deal with mental health crisis and drug and alcohol problems and may be using these substances to self-medicate their post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) or as they transition into civilian life.

It is important for family members and loved ones to be familiar with the steps of seeking help so they can understand how to support themselves. While there is a Veterans Crisis Line, families can also contact the caregiver support line. Dial 988, then press 1 for the veteran’s crisis line.

Veterans and Active Duty Military Substance Misuse and Mental Health Resources

• Read the digital guide to VA Mental Health Services.

• If you or a loved one has been thinking of attempting suicide, visit the National Veterans Foundation website. This site provides information for family members and offers free services through the veterans crisis line, run by other veterans.

• Testimonies from other veterans who have overcome drug or alcohol abuse, are available on the Make the Connection website. The site offers stories from real warriors like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, women Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, and others who have been in combat zones.

• Explore the mental health resources guide for links to books, websites, and mobile apps recommended by VA experts for addressing substance abuse. Get self-help resources for depression, drug use, sexual assault, and other trauma or mental wellness topics.

• Check the resources section on the Veterans Affairs website to find trusted external resources offering information and support for drug use and mental health problems. Find resources outside VA for drug abuse

• If you are trying to quit smoking, download the Stay Quit Coach mobile app, designed to provide support for Veterans with PTSD quit smoking. This app provides tools for managing cravings and triggers, motivational messages, medication reminders, and more, based on proven quit-smoking strategies.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Veterans at Longbranch Recovery

Substance abuse is a significant issue among veterans and active duty service members, affecting their physical and mental health, social well-being, and their families. Veterans often face unique challenges, including combat exposure, traumatic events, and the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life, which can be temporarily relieved through substance use. Addressing mental health and substance use problems is essential. Untreated substance use disorder can lead to severe consequences such as declining health, strained relationships, financial instability, and even suicide.

Longbranch Recovery & Wellness Center provides evidence-based, specialized rehabilitation programs tailored specifically for veterans. Our programs are designed to help veterans overcome substance dependency, enabling them to live the life they deserve. We offer treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression or other mental illness, and other mental conditions. Longbranch Recovery can also offer medical advice on common military topics such as hearing loss or traumatic brain injury.

Resources for families of military service veterans can also be obtained at Longbranch Recovery & Wellness. Our support programs include family therapy, peer support groups, aftercare, and other resources for former service members and families.

Sources:

Dams, G., Ketchins, B., Burden, J., (2024) Effectiveness of residential treatment services for veterans with substance use disorders: A propensity score matching evaluation

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/treatment.asp